Teenager’s hand blown off as French school protests enter third week

On Monday, a 15-year-old student in Lens, France, lost his hand and part of his lower arm after picking up a dispersal grenade that detonated during clashes with riot police. The incident occurred as protests entered their third week, with students protesting against underfunding, overcrowding, and poor conditions in schools. François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, declined to comment on the exact circumstances of the accident, noting that 200 to 250 protesters had been throwing objects at police.

The protests began in September in Paris, initially focusing on poor suburbs before spreading nationwide. Rights groups accuse police of using excessive force against minors, including batons, tear gas, and flash-ball guns. A separate case involves a 16-year-old who suffered an eye injury after police fired rubber bullets into a crowd, according to his friends. The Interior Ministry has not yet commented on allegations of excessive force.

Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that participation in the protests had been declining in recent days, and the government planned to launch a platform for students to express their dissatisfaction. The government also announced an action plan for particular schools. Since the protests started, 5,060 people have been arrested, 87% of them minors, with over 1,800 people facing prosecution, including 1,483 minors. However, 790 cases have been dismissed.

The protests have put pressure on the government, which is trying to address a budget deficit and face growing investor concerns about state finances. Some 400 to 500 high schools were closed or partially closed ahead of Tuesday's nationwide protest, resulting in the closure of two dozen schools, 78 teaching staff injuries, and at least 190 student injuries.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon emphasized the priority of restoring order. Students demonstrated outside Charles de Foucauld high school in Paris, with one protester stating that they would continue fighting until the government listened to their demands.